After 261 AHL games, LeBlanc made his NHL debut for the Caps in a 1-0 shootout loss at Verizon Center in Washington.

“It was unbelievable,” LeBlanc said. “It's something I've thought about for a long time.

“I was very nervous at first in the first period. But once I started sweating and I got into the game, I felt really good.”

The forward got 9:26 in ice time. His father, Jim, and his brother, Kevin, made the trip from Hamilton, Ontario, to watch in person.

“I couldn't believe it,” LeBlanc said of the call that informed him he was being summoned from the Hershey Bears. “I was in shock. Obviously, really excited. Pretty tough to sleep after that news.

“I called them when I found out on Friday night. They were already in bed. Saturday they told me they were making the trip. I wasn't sure if I would be playing or not or what the deal was. I'm glad they took the chance and came down.”

The fourth-year pro participated in an optional team skate on Saturday before Washington's season finale.

“I'm really glad I got to get on the ice before, kind of get used to the ice a little bit and get some of my nerves out,” LeBlanc said. “It didn't help too much because the heart rate was pretty high the next day.”

LeBlanc, 26, said his focus was small picture for the game rather than the big picture of a major personal achievement.

“I was just trying to concentrate on getting near the puck and being in position,” said LeBlanc, who was reassigned to Hershey on Monday.

“The guys were great with me. They all talked with me and just said, 'Enjoy your first one, you'll always remember it.'”

LeBlanc said the Caps gave him a copy of the game sheet, which he gave to his father.

“He's going to take that home,” LeBlanc said, “and make sure it doesn't get wrinkled.”